Short-term Mission Trip

Becky and her husband Tracy were heading to eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) from July 6 to August 15, 2021, but had to cancel due to increased covid-19 travel restrictions in South Africa and civil unrest in eSwatini and South Africa.  Please pray for the people there.

2022 trips are tentatively planned for January/February/
March , and July/August.   

If you would like more information about joining us in eSwatini, please contact us for an application packet. 
You may email us  or use the contact form.

 And if you believe God wants to use you in a support role, you can give on the donate page.  All gifts are tax deductible.  Thank you!

 Long-term Mission Work in eSwatini, Africa

Tracy & Becky Spencer
Founders, Grand Staff Ministries

For several years, the board of directors have joined Becky and Tracy in praying for the Lord to send someone to serve the Lord with GSM in eSwatini.

A couple of people initially believed God was calling them, and they even started raising funds.  But both ended up realizing it wasn't God's plan.

After some challenges difficult to navigate from such a distance, Becky and Tracy began to feel the pull to spend more time in eSwatini.  Becky was going twice a year, staying 3 - 5 weeks each trip.  Tracy was going once every year or two for a couple of weeks. But none of that was enough to effectively lead the Swazi team of ministry partners--or to show the love of Jesus to the children and neighbors in the village of Sipete.

After much prayer, the Spencers answered the call to commit to spending 4 - 6 months of the year with their precious Swazi children and the team God has put together there. 

Tracy retired earlier than their financial planner recommends, but with his blessing, because he also knows this plan is crucial to what God is doing in eSwatini. 

Of course, then covid-19 hit, and their trip in March, 2020 was interrupted, and the July/Aug. 2020 trip was cancelled.

But they returned for a four week trip in March/April, 2021, and they're heading out for six weeks July/Aug., 2021.

We're all praying for direction as South Africa fights the virus and life takes on a new normal--as much as we hate that, travel doesn't seem to be likely to return to pre-covid-19.

Meanwhile, we have a young couple from here in the States praying about serving long-term as part of the GSM family in eSwatini.  

Thanks to everyone who donates, volunteers with Grand Staff Ministries (especially at the thrift boutique!), cares for the children, and covers it all in prayer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Working with Local  Pastors

Walk by Faith Church in the village of Bhunya is led by Pastor Jan Dvuba.  This community suffered the shut down of their mill, which led to other businesses failing.  Unemployment was rampant, and children were starving.  Thankfully the mill has reopened, but the damage to families is still being felt. Our sponsorships bring hope.

Even though they have many needs internally, Walk by Faith Church planted another church in the mountain village of Mangcongo.  Poverty is rampant.  We have also partnered with this church to continue to pour into the lives of the children who dream of a brighter future--and a better life right now.

 The Faithful Church, on a squatter's camp across from the dump in the largest city in eSwatini (Manzini), is the home church of Pastor Jacinto Sambo. If a person can find space to put up a hut or an empty structure, he can live in this community.  Grand Staff Ministries partners with this church to provide schooling--and hope-- to the children.

About half an hour's drive from The Faithful Church is Free Evangelical Assembly in the village of Luhlokohla.  We have been so impressed by the capable leadership of Pastor Walter Mgodlola.  He does an excellent job of overseeing his growing church, mentoring younger men and women to take on responsibilities in the areas of their giftedness. It's a delight to partner with them to develop true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ!